88
Digital Piano
88 weighted keys, hammer action, piano sounds, pedals and built-in speakers make a digital piano the most direct route for traditional lessons and pianist-oriented playing.
Musikhaus Korn Buying Guide
Which Keyboard Instrument Is Right for Me? Piano, Keyboard & Synthesizer Guide
Do you want to learn piano, play complete songs with automatic accompaniment, design your own sounds, perform live with a band or produce music on a computer? Digital pianos, stage pianos, keyboards, synthesizers, workstations and MIDI keyboards are designed for different musical goals. This guide takes you directly to the instrument type that best matches your priorities.
For beginners to professionals
Home, studio & stage
25 to 88 keys explained
Related Keyboard Topics
- Keyboard Instruments
- Keyboard Guide
- Digital Pianos
- Stage Pianos
- Synthesizers & Samplers
- MIDI Keyboards
Browse by Instrument Type
Begin with Your Musical Goal
What Do You Want to Do with the Keys?
The best choice is not determined by the instrument with the largest number of sounds. Piano lessons place completely different demands on the keyboard from beat production, automatic accompaniment or a solo entertainer performance.
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Keyboard
Integrated speakers, many instrument sounds, rhythms and accompaniment functions make home keyboards attractive for beginners, hobby musicians and uncomplicated music-making at home.
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Stage Piano
A transport-friendly enclosure, direct sound access, professional outputs and often a weighted keyboard make stage pianos strong instruments for band rehearsals and live performances.
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Synthesizer
If oscillators, filters, modulation and sound design matter more than realistic piano technique, a synthesizer is the most creative instrument type in this comparison.
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Workstation
Sounds, sequencing, arrangement and extensive performance control are combined in one instrument. This suits songwriters and musicians who want to develop complete productions directly on the keyboard.
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MIDI Keyboard
A MIDI keyboard normally has no internal sound engine. It controls virtual instruments, a DAW and compatible external MIDI hardware and is therefore particularly useful in a home studio.
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Entertainer Keyboard
Extensive styles, automatic accompaniment and quick registrations make arranger keyboards complete performance tools for solo entertainers and large song repertoires.
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Prioritise Playing Feel or Features
If the keyboard should feel as close as possible to a piano, begin with digital and stage pianos. If accompaniment, sounds or production features are more important, start with keyboards, synthesizers or workstations.
Playing Feel or Functional Variety?
Understanding the Different Keyboard Instruments
The Piano Is the Main Focus
A digital piano is optimised for piano tone and piano technique. 88 keys, touch sensitivity and hammer action are particularly important. Furniture-style models usually include three pedals, their own speaker system and a permanent stand or cabinet.
Piano for Mobile Musicians
Stage pianos remove the furniture-style cabinet and concentrate on transport, connections and direct access to sounds. Some include speakers while others require monitors, a keyboard amplifier or a PA.
Sounds and Accompaniment Immediately Available
Home and learning keyboards are quick to set up and normally contain their own speakers. Automatic accompaniment, learning functions, rhythms and many instrument sounds are more important than a heavy piano-style mechanism.
Complete Arrangements from One Instrument
Styles can generate accompaniment including drums, bass and other instruments. Registrations allow rapid changes between complete sound and accompaniment configurations for different songs.
Sound Design Is the Centre of Attention
Synthesizers are particularly interesting for electronic music, pop, ambient, sound design and experimental sounds. The keyboard may deliberately be lighter and faster than a traditional piano keyboard.
Sound Library plus Production Functions
Workstations combine extensive sound generation with sequencing, arrangement and performance functions. The aim is to create and organise complete musical productions directly inside one keyboard instrument.
Control Software Instead of Producing Its Own Sound
Pads, faders, rotary controls and transport controls can complement the keyboard. This is useful when software instruments and the DAW provide the actual sound.
Direct Overview
Digital Piano, Keyboard, Stage Piano and Synthesizer Compared
Compare the main purpose, keyboard size, internal sounds and speaker concept before deciding which product group is most relevant to you.
| Instrument | Main Focus | Typical Keys | Own Sounds | Speakers | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Piano | Piano playing | 88, weighted | Yes | Usually yes | Lessons, home |
| Stage Piano | Live piano | 73–88 | Yes | Depends on model | Stage, rehearsal, studio |
| Home Keyboard | Learning & sounds | 49–76 | Yes | Yes | Beginners, hobby players |
| Entertainer Keyboard | Automatic accompaniment | 61–88 | Yes | Frequently yes | Solo performance |
| Synthesizer | Sound design | 25–88 | Yes | Usually no | Studio, stage |
| Workstation | Production | 37–88 | Yes | Usually no | Arrangement, songwriting |
| MIDI Keyboard | Software control | 25–88 | Usually no | No | Home studio, DAW |
Choose Range and Playing Mechanism Together
25, 49, 61, 73, 76 or 88 Keys?
The number of keys determines range and physical size, while the keyboard mechanism determines how the instrument responds under your fingers.
25–49
Production & Compact Synths
61
Versatile Keyboard Standard
73/76
More Range with Good Portability
88
Full Piano Keyboard
Weighted Hammer Action
If classical piano technique is your main goal, a realistic weighted keyboard should have priority. It develops dynamic control and finger technique differently from a light synth-action keyboard.
Light or Semi-Weighted Keyboard
For organ playing, synthesizer leads, automatic accompaniment and mobile production, a lighter action can feel more comfortable and make the instrument considerably easier to transport.
Aftertouch, Pads and Controllers
Producers and synthesizer players should additionally consider aftertouch, pitch and modulation controls, drum pads, encoders and freely assignable controllers.
Everyday Use Also Influences the Decision
Which Keyboard Instrument Suits Home, Stage or Studio?
Digital Piano
Prioritise 88 weighted keys, pedals, headphone connections and a stable sitting position. Additional functions are secondary to the keyboard feel and piano sound.
Compact Stage or Slim Digital Piano
A slim stage piano or compact digital piano saves space. A keyboard stand and headphones create a flexible setup that can be dismantled when necessary.
Stage Piano, Workstation or Performance Synth
Fast sound changes, splits, layers and suitable line outputs are especially useful in rehearsal and live situations.
MIDI Keyboard or Workstation
If software instruments provide most of your sounds, a MIDI keyboard is highly efficient. If you want to work without a computer, a workstation or synthesizer becomes more relevant.
Seven Different Instrument Concepts
View All Keyboard Instruments
Examples for Different Routes into the World of Keys
These examples deliberately cover very different priorities: piano practice, portability, home keyboard playing, automatic accompaniment, sound design, live production and software control.
Digital Piano
GEWA
GEWA DP 520 Black
View Digital Piano
Compact Piano
Yamaha
Yamaha P-145 BT
View Stage Piano
Home Keyboard
Casio
Casio CT-S1 BK
View Keyboard
Entertainer
Korg
Korg PA-700
View Entertainer Keyboard
Analog Synth
Korg
Korg minilogue
View Synthesizer
Workstation
Roland
Roland JUNO-D6
View Workstation
MIDI Controller
Native Instruments
KONTROL S88 MK3
View MIDI Controller
Grouped by Instrument Type
50 Keyboard Instruments for Your Shortlist
Decide on the instrument type first. Only after that do the number of keys, keyboard action, internal sounds, speakers and connections become meaningfully comparable.
For Pianist-Oriented Playing
For Mobility and Live Use
For Learning, Songs and Everyday Playing
With Automatic Accompaniment
For Sound Design
For Arrangement and Production
For Computers and Virtual Instruments
The Instrument Is Not Always the Complete Setup
Which Accessories Do You Need for Your Keyboard Instrument?
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Keyboard Stand or Furniture Base
Stage pianos, keyboards and synthesizers need a stable stand at a comfortable playing height. Matching permanent furniture-style bases are available for many digital pianos.
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Bench or Stool
A stable sitting position is important for longer practice sessions. Pianists in particular benefit from a suitable bench at the correct playing height.
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Pedals
Sustain belongs to the basic piano setup. Anyone learning traditional pedal technique should check whether a compatible three-pedal unit is available for the chosen instrument.
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Bag or Case
For lessons, rehearsals and stage use, transport dimensions should already be considered when buying the instrument. The bag has to match the exact width, depth and height.
The Wrong Priority Leads to the Wrong Instrument
Common Mistakes When Buying a Keyboard Instrument
Choosing Only by the Number of Sounds
A thousand sounds are of little help if your actual goal is to learn piano technique and the keyboard action does not support that goal.
Too Few Keys for the Learning Goal
A full 88-key keyboard makes sense for long-term classical piano playing. For production, synthesizer leads or mobile keyboard use, fewer keys can be considerably more practical.
Assuming Every Instrument Has Speakers
Many synthesizers, workstations and professional stage pianos require external monitoring, headphones, a keyboard amplifier or a PA.
Confusing a MIDI Keyboard with a Standalone Instrument
A pure controller normally needs a computer, software instrument or compatible external sound generator before it can actually produce sound.
Brand Worlds at Musikhaus Korn
Manufacturers for Piano, Keyboard and Synthesizer
Frequently Asked Questions Before Choosing
Answers About Choosing the Right Keyboard Instrument
Which Keyboard Instrument Is Best for Beginners?
Anyone who specifically wants to learn piano is best
served by a digital or stage piano with 88 weighted
keys. A home keyboard is interesting for a more playful
introduction with many sounds, rhythms and
accompaniment functions.
Which Is Better: Keyboard or Digital Piano?
A digital piano is the more suitable choice for piano
technique. Keyboards instead provide more rhythms,
automatic accompaniment and different sounds in a
more compact format.
Do I Need 88 Keys to Learn Piano?
For long-term classical piano playing, 88 keys are
recommended. For first melodies, music production and
general keyboard playing, 61 or 76 keys can be enough.
What Is the Difference Between a Stage Piano and a Digital Piano?
Both can have 88 weighted keys. A digital piano is more
commonly designed for permanent home use with speakers,
a fixed base and a pedal unit, while a stage piano
focuses more strongly on mobility, connections and
live control.
Can a MIDI Keyboard Be Played without a Computer?
A pure MIDI keyboard normally has no internal sound.
It requires a computer with software or another
compatible external sound generator.
When Do I Need a Synthesizer Instead of a Keyboard?
Choose a synthesizer if you want to shape sounds,
work with filters and modulation or create electronic
sounds. A home keyboard focuses more strongly on
ready-made sounds and accompaniment functions.
What Can a Workstation Do Better Than a Synthesizer?
A workstation combines extensive sound generation
with sequencing, arrangement and production functions.
A traditional synthesizer normally focuses more strongly
on sound creation itself.
Which Keyboard Instrument Is Suitable for a Small Apartment?
A compact stage piano, slim digital piano or
61-key keyboard requires relatively little space
and can be played quietly with headphones.
A folding stand makes the setup even more flexible.
Which Keyboard Is Suitable for a Solo Entertainer?
Entertainer keyboards are specifically designed for
this purpose. They combine styles, automatic
accompaniment, registrations and large sound libraries
for complete song arrangements.
What Do I Need in Addition to a Stage Piano?
Depending on the model, you may need a keyboard stand,
sustain pedal, bag and headphones. If the instrument
has no internal speakers, you additionally need a
monitor, keyboard amplifier or PA system.
Try the Keyboard Action Yourself
Still Unsure Between Piano, Keyboard and Synthesizer?
Keyboard action and touch can only be judged to a limited extent from specifications. Compare several instruments using the same piano passages, chords and sounds and also check the seating position, controls and connections you can reach while playing.
Continue after the Fundamental Decision
Related Areas around Keyboard Instruments
Choose a Keyboard
Compare home, learning and entertainer keyboards together with their most important features.
Digital Pianos
Compare 88-key instruments according to keyboard action, pedals, speakers and additional features.
Synthesizers & Samplers
Discover analog, digital and hybrid sound engines as well as instruments for electronic production.
MIDI & Computer
Combine keyboards, controllers and interfaces for virtual instruments and music production.
From Your Playing Goal to the Right Instrument
Which Keyboard Instrument Is Right for Me? Piano & Keyboard
Anyone who wants to learn traditional piano playing should prioritise the keyboard and playing feel and begin with a digital or stage piano with 88 weighted keys. A keyboard is the more versatile solution for learning functions, automatic accompaniment and a large number of immediately available sounds. Stage pianos combine pianist-oriented playing feel with a transport-friendly construction for rehearsals and live performances.
Synthesizers are aimed at musicians who want to create sounds themselves. Workstations go a step further and combine sound generation, performance, sequencing and arrangement. In a computer-based home studio, a MIDI keyboard is often enough because virtual instruments provide the actual sound generation. The deciding factor is therefore not which keyboard instrument has the largest number of functions, but which one performs your most important musical task most directly.
Choose More Instruments and Equipment with Confidence
From musical instruments and home-studio equipment to DJ and event technology, find further step-by-step help in the central Musikhaus Korn shopping guide.